subject: Make A Detour To Germiston [print this page] Germiston is an industrious city in the suburb of East Rand situated in the ever so popular Gauteng Province. It was established during the early days of the gold rush and is now the sixth largest city in South Africa.
Germiston was established when the gold rich ground was discovered by the two prospectors, John Jack from Germiston Farm near Glasgow and August Simmer from Vacha in Germany. They first struck gold on the farm of Elandsfontein after which they decided to establish the land and John Jack named it Germiston after his childhood home. This discovery attracted a large commerce which caused a rapid increase in population and the town quickly sprouted up next to the mine.
In 1921 Rand Refinery, the worlds largest gold refinery, was established. This encouraged many other mining ventures and the city started to experience phenomenal growth and development, due to the supplementary industrial requirements. The gold refinery now has about 70% of the western worlds gold passing through it and boasts South Africas biggest railway junction. It is also the home to the Rand Airport, the busiest civil airport. Germiston now falls into the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality which forms part of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.
Germiston is generally classified as an industrial area due to the fact that it has over 700 factories in the area, but it also offers wonderful activities to its residents and visitors. It is in close proximity to large shopping malls, offering little shops, boutiques, salons, shopping centres, delicatessen shops, jewelry, and many more. There are also many world class restaurants where the most delectable meals are served. The city also boasts a variety of recreational areas, such as many sporting facilities.
There are also quite a few notable people from Germiston, such as Dr Sydney Brenner, the 2002 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine, as well as the rugby referee Andre Watson. Others include Pierre Isse and Ernie Els.
Germiston offers a great variety of accommodation to businessmen and holiday makers, ranging from comfortable self catering and bed and breakfast to fabulous guest houses and luxury hotels. With such a large variety of stunning accommodation, there is something to suit anyones personal preference or need. It is a beautiful green location amidst all the factories and mines, making it a stunning and enjoyable holiday destination for anyone looking for a break away from the busyness of home.
